Dear Friend, There is something I wish I would have told you......

I am a Christian, I don't think that comes as a surprise to most people who know me.  I am not one to talk about it a lot, but hope that in the way I live my life, that people can tell.

Remember a few months ago when that guy predicted the day that Christ would return to take his people back to Heaven?   I was also re-reading the 'Left Behind' book series when that was going on and it got me thinking.  It's one thing to know that I am going to Heaven, but to read about someones interpretation about how it will happen, and then to think about how that looks to the people who were left behind, puts a whole new spin on things. I mean imagine being on a plane, at 30,000 feet, and suddenly 1/3 of the passengers can't be found.  There are piles of clothes left in seats where these people used to be sitting. Don't just skim over this and speed read, like you're watching a movie, stop and picture it, feel it - what would you do if that really happened?  Would your clothes be sitting there?  Or would you be the one looking at the clothes trying to figure out where people went?  It makes me think.....have I done all I can to make sure my friends and family are not 'left behind'? 

I also just finished reading the book 'Heaven is for Real'.  Its about a young boy who had some serious health issues when he was young, but recovered.  Over the next few years he begins to reveal things to his parents about when he was at the hospital.  He talks about things he saw and experienced. He talks about going to Heaven, being with God and the atmosphere that he experienced there.  (I don't want to debate whether or not he really went to heaven and came back, that's not my focus here. It is just something that again, got me thinking.) He describes how great it was to see family and people he loved.  How everyone was joyous and what it was like to be with Jesus and experience it. I couldn't help but think, 'When I get to Heaven, it would be great to have all my family and friends there to enjoy it with me.'

When reading this, I flashed to my wedding day.  (thanks Mom and Dad on both sides for throwing that great party!!)  That day was filled with so much joy and happiness.   When again, will that many of my family and friends be together to celebrate, eat, dance, and enjoy each others company?  Did I make sure I invited everyone?

I have been thinking about this blog topic for a few months and kept putting it off. I'm pretty sure God wants me to post it -The last two sermons at two different churches have pretty much hit me upside the head saying...post it already! They have talked about doing our part to share Christs love and keep people out of Hell.   We need to tell them, show them, and help them get to Heaven.  Ive heard that it takes an average of 7 times for a non-believer to be asked/informed about accepting Christ for them to finally take the steps. If this is not your 7th time hearing this...please re read this blog 6 more times :)   

My hope is that I don't get to heaven, start looking around and think, Where is she?  Where is he?   I don't want to have that horrible sinking feeling and think....Dear friend - I WISH there was something I would have told you!  So...I am telling and inviting you now.  I'd like to have you there!  During the Sermon at church last weekend he said if you are only 99% sure you're going to heaven then eternity is a long time to spend wishing for that last 1%.   So make sure you're 100%.  I RSVP'd in 6th grade when Mrs. Walk , our bible study teacher, gave us a study book and the first chapter talked about how we needed to ask Jesus in to our heart. We must admit that we are sinners, acknowledge that the only way to heaven is through Jesus.  God sent his son Jesus to earth to die on the cross for our sins so that we could be forgiven and go to heaven. I had been going to church and considered myself  'a religious' person - heck - my dad worked at a church....but I had never actually acknowledge that I needed Jesus and asked him to be a part of my life. So...if you are in that same boat....I encourage you to take some time, think about it, heartfully ask Him to be a part of you life.

If you have questions....Please ask. If not me....find a church, find someone, and ask.  If you are on the fence and just don't know if you are up for this 'Christianity churchy stuff' ...I challenge you to say a prayer.  Ask God to show Himself to you, Let Him show you that He is real and wants to be a part of your life.  But know that it is your responsibility to be open and honest  in what you see and what He places in front of you. 

So...If you read all the way to the end of my post...thank you!   Also please know that if you are reading this, then you are one of the ones that I don't want to look around for when I get to Heaven and wonder where you are.  You may be a family member or one of my oldest friends from grade school. Please know that I mean you when I say  'Dear (insert your name here!)...Remember that thing I told you?  I really want you to be there...please RSVP.'